Meanings tarot cards love and friendship
What are the meanings of the tarot cards related to love? You are in love and would like to know what the other person thinks of you, how they feel about you, whether they can be trusted, whether you will have a relationship and if so, how it will develop. All 78 tarot cards can also be related to love and have both an emotional meaning, as well as a relational one.
The tarot is applicable to issues of love relationships, family ties, friendships and any other conceivable social contact (neighbours, colleagues, etc).
The texts below have previously appeared in the book The Intuitive Tarot.
The book is now sold out, but can still be ordered second-hand via the link below.
For more interesting articles on tarot, see the Tarot Blog.
Copyrights of the Rider Waite Tarot on this page: U.S. Games Systems.
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Explanation
Before shuffling the cards, consider whether your question relates to an emotional or relational question and in the area of love or friendship.
An emotional question is asked when the questioner wants to know something about their own or the other person's state of mind. (How does he feel about me? How does she feel about me?) A relational question is asked when the questioner wants to know something about the nature or development of the relationship per se. (Will we have a relationship? How will our relationship develop?)
Methods:
- Sit with your cards in a place where the atmosphere is good, light a candle and/or incense if you feel comfortable doing so.
- With eyes closed, shuffle the cards as you ask your question.
- Spread the cards (blind) on the table.
- Open your eyes and choose the card that 'jumps out' for you.
- Grab this card and look up its meaning in the chart below.
- Look at the card, read the short description and see what feeling it triggers in you - in relation to your question. Don't think about it too long; your first reaction contains the answer!
Major Arcana
0. The Fool
Relationship: This card can relate to a new beginning in love, where everything still seems to be 'open'. It may have to do with the fact that you have only recently met, are only really together or that there is a new beginning within an existing relationship, whether after a short 'break' or not. This card often represents a relationship in which anything can still happen, and there may still be some doubts present in either (or even both!) partners which means there is no stable foundation (yet). The relationship remains mostly on the playful side or even eventually breaks up. To strengthen the relationship, it is recommended to bring more regularity into the relationship, with both partners behaving more responsibly towards each other.
1. The Magician
Relationship: The Magician indicates a very strong attraction. But not only the attraction is strong, but the strength of the relationship itself is also great! With willpower from both parties, this relationship can become and remain very stable and you will be able to make your dreams come true. The Magician represents 'magic' and there is also magic between the two of you. You are made for each other, so to speak, so many similarities are there. Communication is important to you and here you are both also good at it. Obstacles are removed, precisely because you can clearly indicate to each other what you do or do not want. There is also a huge click physically.
2. The High Priestess
Relationship: There is affection and intimacy. You are also connected spiritually, which makes the bond between the two of you very strong. Although there is mutual understanding and respect, the relationship is characterised by some distance and restraint. There is not particularly much communication with each other, which is sometimes unfortunate, but perhaps this is due to the fact that you understand each other very well even without words. This relationship offers security, warmth, insight and safety. You encourage and support each other both in career and creativity.
3. The Empress
Relationship: The Empress shows that there is a change for the better within your relationship. Growth and flourishing, everything becomes more fun and better and more beautiful. There is real security, warmth and certainty. Previous difficult periods you have overcome together and now you can reap the fruits of your efforts and patience. Or this is coming soon. In that case: stay hopeful, better times will follow! The Empress usually represents a long-term relationship, and not infrequently there is a desire for children. Domesticity and cosiness play an important role, as do eroticism.
4. The Emperor
Relationship: The Emperor thinks with his mind rather than his feelings and this is also noticeable within your relationship. Certainty, constancy and reliability are very important to (one of) you, which can sometimes make the other feel a bit restricted in his freedom. Beware of one of you trying to control or dominate the other too much, as this will only backfire in the long run. However, this card does give constancy and responsibility to the relationship, and the possibility to really realise future plans step by step.
5. The High Priest
Relationship: The High Priest represents traditional behaviour, acting 'according to the norm'. Your love for each other grows stronger and stronger and you hope to choose each other once and for all. Living together, getting married and then growing old together. And then actually do this. A traditional marriage for better or worse. A solid foundation, even when things go a little less well. Honesty and mutual trust, standards and values are of paramount importance, and they often learn from each other.
6. The Beloved
Relationship: This is about a great love. Perhaps even the great love! Yet you will face many choices in this relationship. Nevertheless, love is so strong that you will be able to work everything out together, provided you keep thinking about everything and do not act impulsively when it comes to taking important decisions. Have faith in your intuition and in each other. If a loved one is still in the picture, listen to your heart and make your choices with your feelings: after all, your future is at stake!
7. The Zegewagen
Relationship: The Zegewagen usually represents a big step forward. The relationship improves and is usually the precursor to starting a family. Still, it is very important to know yourself well as well as your partner, so try to find out for yourself what you really want and don't let others 'steer' you. This card also represents closer contact and overcoming problems and a new start within the relationship. A relationship with a future.
8. The Force
Relationship: Does the Force emerge, there is usually a huge sexual attraction between two lovers. This relationship is mainly based on lust feelings and a fierce sex life. There is mutual trust, but stay alert for unspoken signals. If disagreements can be expressed in a calm manner, the bond between these two lovers will only grow stronger and the relationship closer over time.
9. The Hermit
Relationship: The Hermit represents distance and caution. Sometimes it is very important to take some distance from each other and think carefully about what and if you want to continue with this partner. When you are constantly on each other's lips, it is difficult to find out what exactly is wrong with this relationship. You can often get a better understanding when you take some distance from each other: Maybe you miss your partner more than you expected, but...maybe not? Give this relationship another chance anyway if you have doubts. A short breather sometimes works wonders! Time and space for yourself is very important within this relationship anyway. Give each other space.
10. Wheel of Fortune
Relationship: This relationship is very likely to succeed and these two lovers will stay together for better or worse. Great happiness and fun times, you never want to miss each other! In love, the Rad goes hand in hand with great trust and with big important changes. This is meant to be! The only risk is that either of them might be too expectant. Happiness is not something you get, you have to make it yourself, especially in love! So beware of bumping into the same stone twice. In other words, don't keep making the same mistakes that will keep you going round in circles, that would be a shame.
11. The Justice
Relationship: In this relationship, it is very important that give and take are balanced. If this is the case, then this relationship can certainly last for a long time. Usually this card also represents an important choice in love, so think carefully about what you want to go for, who you want to go for, how you would like to see your relationship but also how you would like it to be not want to have. How did any difficulties arise within this relationship and what was your own part in this? Above all, take responsibility for your own actions and don't blame everything on the other person. After all, you were there yourself!
12. The Hanged Man
Relationship: In this relationship, one is somewhat submissive to the other. There is complete surrender and, in the process, passivity. Try to both have an equal say within the relationship, because this way your relationship is not really equal. One partner quickly shoots into a victim role and this is not conducive to the relationship between you. Accept that everyone has problems sometimes and not everything goes smoothly, but don't try to forcefully look for solutions because this is bound to backfire. Stay calm and look at your relationship from a different angle. Is there still a chance of things working out? Then stay calm and wait, but also don't consciously push things far ahead. What can you do yourself to improve the relationship? And what is a good time for the next step? Give it some time, but don't wait too long, otherwise the relationship will stall.
13. Death
Relationship: This relationship will have to deal with a very big change indeed. Sadness and disappointment will result and the change will not be taken easily, but in the end it will bring a sense of freedom. For this relationship to work, it is very important to realise: Nothing stays the same! Don't dwell on the past, don't dwell on old times. Move on together or break up the relationship, but don't stay together if the past keeps rearing its ugly head time and again, because then the ultimate chance of success is nil. If both partners decide to close a chapter together and stay together, this relationship can become very close!
14. The Moderation
Relationship: This relationship is totally equal, you seem to fit together perfectly. Sometimes the relationship gets a little out of balance, and then it's good to keep an eye on the fact that you guys water it down a little and bring the relationship back into balance. You seem to fit together perfectly, as if you can complement each other perfectly. You always know how to find the right balance again and restore peace. This relationship can take a beating.
15. The Devil
Relationship: This relationship is not equal. There is jealousy and possessiveness. One seems to want to dominate and/or control the other, but... maybe the other doesn't even find this unpleasant! Beware of cheating and above all stay honest with each other because the Devil tends to lie. With the Devil as a relationship card, there is difficulty breaking up the relationship, one often feels one cannot do without the other person or one does not know how to end the relationship. One cannot with, but also cannot without each other. But realise: Everyone is treated as they allow themselves to be treated! Sometimes there are financial problems or drink/drug use within this relationship which can put a strain on the relationship. The Devil always warns against 'imprisonment', both emotionally and physically. Not an easy relationship.
16. The Tower
Relationship: This is not a positive card in relation to relationships. Boundaries are crossed and there is frequent pain and sorrow. Often this is a relationship where there is love at first sight, but this is usually followed by the infamous flash of insight associated with this card, the Tower. Trust is usually far away when two people together have the Tower as their relationship card. One gets hurt or finds out the truth in a nasty way. There are often unexpected events or changes, obsessive behaviour or a sudden infatuation that can lead to infidelity. Insight often follows after such an event, but a somewhat insecure basis remains. Nevertheless, some partners benefit and the relationship becomes stronger than before.
17. The Star
Relationship: With the Star, you are in the right place. There is, sometimes after a more difficult period or a less pleasant experience in the past, great love, gentleness and hope for the future. You are clear with each other and there is hardly a better basis for a relationship: honesty, selflessness, openness and you are able to offer each other comfort in more difficult times. Very important with the Star as a relationship card is that you give without demanding anything in return: this way, love remains spontaneous and as it is meant to be. Pure! The Star in love allows both partners to learn from each other and for multiple periods of falling in love with each other within the relationship, suddenly you see something new from your partner again which rekindles the love.
18. The Moon
Relationship: Something is not quite right in this relationship. Half-truths, illusions, jealousy and fear of a shared future. Keep going by your feelings, and if there is something you don't quite trust or don't like. Even if you are not sure why you are having these feelings, talk about it or end the relationship. Partners dealing with the Moon as a relationship chart are often unable to talk openly and honestly about their emotions or feelings, which is unfortunate. Secrets, insecurities, fears from the present or past, it all lingers when certain issues are not discussed and resolved, resulting in a possible eventual breakdown of the relationship.
The Sun
Relationship: The Sun is a very positive relationship card indeed. Warmth, love, union (often even a marriage with children!) joy and growth. A successful relationship where both parties have worked hard. Love has triumphed here and will continue to triumph. This couple knows how to have a good time together and have fun. There may have been some doubts at one point but this is normal. Every relationship goes through a period like this from time to time. Still, these partners fit together very well and warmth and affection is very important, both towards each other and the children.
20. The Judgement
Relationship: In love, this card represents a new opportunity. You have probably been given a new opportunity together or a new opportunity is coming. Your current relationship is likely to be revived after a good and honest conversation. Adopt a forgiving and understanding attitude towards each other, then this relationship could still turn out really well! The love is mutual though there may have been doubts or (temporary?) break-up. Your honesty towards each other (including acknowledging and admitting your own shortcomings) is much appreciated and because much has been learned in the past, you will be able to build a bright future together.
21. The World
Relationship: Success in love! Perfection, coming home. You really feel at home with the other person and can be totally yourself with them. Perhaps a difficult time is behind you, but you have reached your goal together and overcome all difficulties. It is time to enjoy each other and the future. A whole new phase is beginning for both of you! There is not only a physical bond, but certainly also a spiritual one. You belong together. Important changes like marriage, birth, moving or travelling are often related to the World in Love. Usually there is a long-term, beautiful union. Sometimes this card represents a love abroad.
Minor Arcana, Rods
Rod Ace
Emotional: A sense of passion is present. Infatuation, excitement, attraction.
Relational: Eand new relationship is imminent. An existing relationship gets a new beginning.
Rod two
Emotional: Mand needs support, true partnership, but possibly there is still a long way to go or doubt (is this it now?).
Relational: Eand possible new commitment is among the possibilities, problems can be solved.
Rod three
Emotional: Mand needs stability, possibly an old love may be rekindled.
Relational: There is and stable foundation, future perspective, security, a reliable partner.
Rod four
Emotional: Mand needs to do something together, eating out, holidays, parties, socialising.
Relational: There is a good relationship where people really feel good about each other.
Rod five
Emotional: Mand has a need to prove himself. There may be competition, indecision or disagreement.
Relational: There is confusion: is it lust or is it love? Or is it both? Why are you arguing, is it need for attention? Jealousy? Hijackers on the coast?
Bar six
Emotional: Mand has a need to conquer someone. One wants to overcome problems, one has genuine deeper feelings for someone.
Relational: Difficulties can be resolved, the relationship can get off to a good start after a more difficult period, or a fresh start can be made with a clean slate. More appreciation can be expected.
Rod seven
Emotional: Mand feel (emotionally) attacked or criticised and feel the need to defend themselves.
Relational: Er is jealousy or fighting within the relationship. Fighting for the relationship is good, but don't figure yourself out in the process.
Rod eight
Emotional: Mand is impatient and can hardly wait to take new steps regarding a new relationship or within an existing one.
Relational: Er is new developments within the relationship, certain plans will be able to be realised faster than expected.
Bar nine
Emotional: Mand adopts a cautious attitude towards those around him. Possibly this is the result of past struggles, and one has been hurt so that one is now wary and builds a wall around oneself.
Relational: There is a blockage within the relationship making communication difficult. Most likely, this stagnation is caused by old grief.
Bar ten
Emotional: Mand has difficulty focusing his attention on one love/person at a time, potentially getting into trouble. Sometimes an all-important hobby or job is also the reason for not being able to focus on the relationship.
Relational: There is some hopelessness within the relationship because one does not seem to be able to solve 'the' problem. But... is this really not possible?
Bars Squire
Emotional: Mand is open to a new love, feels attracted to someone, feels passion. As a person: a young person, vain, charming.
Relational: Er is talk of an exciting proposal, invitation, courtship.
Rod Knight
Emotional: One is impatient, passionate, eager to prove oneself, possibly pushes oneself, or wants to. As a person: a young man, agile, with 'cocky' behaviour.
Relational: Er is talk of making hasty decisions, there is first doing, then thinking. Fiery love.
Rod Queen
Emotional: Mand is proud, reliable, passionate and optimistic. As a person: spirited, intelligent lady, who knows what she wants, but is also very likeable and helpful.
Relational: Er is a stable relationship in which passion and mutual trust are key.
Rod King
Emotional: Mand makes plans for the future and values (marital) fidelity. As a person: serious, but witty man, who is a good listener and will do anything for his partner.
Relational: Er is a stable, serious relationship that involves thinking about the future.
Minor Arcana, Swords
Swords Ace
Emotional: A decision needs to be made. More clarity is needed. Sometimes also just: 'NO'.
Relational: Kans on breaking up the relationship or tying the knot regarding an important issue within the relationship.
Swords two
Emotional: Mand finds it difficult to make a decision, doubt and uncertainty. Possibly hurt.
Relational: Mand is unable to communicate, the relationship is not stable.
Swords three
Emotional: One may be suffering from old grief, or a decision needs to be taken that goes against one's feelings.
Relational: Dhe relationship may be coming to an end, the relationship is not making you happy or there are old hurts still between the two partners.
Swords four
Emotional: Mand needs time to think, may want to retreat for a while.
Relational: Mo possibly the relationship benefits from a rest, or there is otherwise a (temporary?) distance, literally or figuratively.
Swords five
Emotional: Mand is grieving over an argument that took place. There may even be regret over what was done or said.
Relational: Er there was (has been) a huge altercation in which harsh reproaches may have flown back and forth.
Swords six
Emotional: Mand is going through a difficult phase or has just gone through a difficult period. One hopes for improvement and hopes for the best.
Relational: Er is possibly a goodbye, one wants to leave problems behind. Sometimes this can only be done by leaving (temporarily?) or distancing oneself for a while.
Sifting swords
Emotional: Mand makes the same mistakes over and over again and has trouble being honest and communicating, so not everything can be discussed.
Relational: Er is dishonesty within the relationship, deceit, lies. Communication is lacking, people run into the same issues over and over again.
Swords eight
Emotional: Mand feels bound in emotions, inhibited, and does not know how to proceed for a while. Sometimes self-pity.
Relational: Dhe relationship is stalled due to feelings of insecurity, bondage, blockages and/or fear.
Swords nine
Emotional: MAnd worried badly. Sometimes unfounded!
Relational: Dhe relationship is under pressure, there is worry, sadness or guilt. The problems are resolvable, provided one is willing to actually work on them.
Swords ten
Emotional: Mand is climbing out of an emotional slump, a tough time has passed.
Relational: Crisis in relationship comes to an end, better times are coming.
Swords Squire
Emotional: Mand may have doubts or be suspicious. As a person: a young person, suspicious, indecisive, critical.
Relational: Er disagreement is in the air, there may be jealousy or misunderstanding. An argument may clear the air.
Swords Knight
Emotional: Mand suffers from aggression, is enraged, cannot be reasoned with. As a person: a young man, aggressive, dominant, impulsive.
Relational: Eand huge thundercloud hangs over the relationship, an eruption is to be expected. Communication will not be possible, better to wait for the storm to subside and the squall to blow over.
Swords Queen
Emotional: Mand is closed, likes to be alone sometimes, and has been shaped by past events. As a person: somewhat aloof woman, sharp-witted, smart and independent.
Relational: Eand sharp tongue and aloofness from (one of) the partners can adversely affect the relationship.
Swords King
Emotional: Mand is stubborn and dominant, and does not tolerate contradiction. As a person: a somewhat cold, dominant man who does not tolerate contradiction.
Relational: Er is a cooling of love. Detachment and coldness affect the relationship.
Minor Arcana, Cups
Cups Bait
Emotional: Mand is in love and thoroughly enjoying this.
Relational: Er something new is imminent within the relationship, a beautiful new beginning, a wedding, or a birth are among the possibilities.
Cups two
Emotional: Lslowly but surely, special feelings for someone are released and grow into deep (h)real love.
Relational: There is a special (new?) union, marriage, engagement, but reconciliation is also possible.
Cups three
Emotional: One is comfortable in one's skin and enjoys the cosy moments together.
Relational: There is a festive occasion, something to celebrate, a wedding, 'so many years together', birth or a 'happy ending'. Also possible a celebration, such as a special dinner or birthday. People like to be together!
Cups four
Emotional: Mand is experiencing a possible rut and is not really satisfied with the current state of affairs.
Relational: Dhe relationship is in a slump, boredom strikes and one takes too much for granted.
Cups five
Emotional: One is sad about what has been, what one has lost, a past relationship or bygone good times within the current one.
Relational: Er is too much looking backwards within the relationship. Living in the past does not solve current problems. Too bad, because there is plenty left to fight for!
Cups six
Emotional: People often reflect on the past, cherish happy memories, and long for the days of yore.
Relational: Eand memory or meeting someone from the past can have a major impact on the relationship. Possible: The beginning of a relationship with someone you know from the past or old plans are revived.
Sifting cups
Emotional: Mand lives in a dream world and sees everything through rose-coloured glasses. Sometimes people want things that are not achievable or there is an unrequited love.
Relational: Moften, within the relationship, one loses sight of reality or there is an obsession with someone (else).
Cups eight
Emotional: Mand need to say goodbye or distance themselves, but have a lot of trouble doing so. Perhaps something is missed within the relationship but cannot properly name what.
Relational: Er is an uncertain period in love. Possibly the end of a relationship or an uncertain beginning of a new period (again) alone.
Cups nine
Emotional: One is content and happy, has much to offer, but leaves others to ask for it themselves. Emotional richness, but sometimes complacency or even arrogance. Unwilling to take the first step.
Relational: Gelation in love, a steadfast relationship, a 'fertile' period presents itself. Sometimes literally a pregnancy!
Cups ten
Emotional: Mand is happy, grateful and content. One has everything one could wish for and is willing to do one's best to keep what has been achieved.
Relational: Er is talk of starting a family or living together/marriage. House, tree, beast is now possible. A wish is coming true!
Goblets Squire
Emotional: One uses his charm, knows the right things to say. As a person: charming young person who knows what another likes to hear. Nicety talker, flirt, not serious, sympathetic though.
Relational: Eand new period presents itself, possibly an invitation or reconciliation, but not a particularly stable relationship.
Goblets Knight
Emotional: One is in love! As a person: a young man of good character, helpful and of good will.
Relational: An (incipient) genuine crush, but sometimes still a little uncertain. A romantic get-together is a possibility.
Cups Queen
Emotional: Mand dreams about love, needs affection, but... is not always faithful. As a person: a sweet, caring woman, spiritually inclined, sometimes actually unfaithful, sometimes only in thought. Sometimes the card that represents 'the mistress'
Relational: Within the relationship, there is love, caring, sexuality, but possibly also a mistress or privateer on the coast.
Cups King
Emotional: Mand is understanding, helpful and sympathetic, but has difficulty with marital fidelity. As a person: A sensitive man, who tries to protect himself from too strong emotions and therefore pretends to be tougher than he is. He is understanding but also an epicurean in all areas and has difficulty resisting temptations. A true bourgondian.
Relational: There is a fine relationship, communication is good, but there is nevertheless a need for some freedom.
The Minor Arcana, Pentacles
Pentacles Ace
Emotional: Mand feel emotionally rich, feeling genuine deep love.
Relational: Er is a stable relationship, and very favourable developments between two people. Sometimes a new beginning.
Pentacles two
Emotional: Mand doubts and seems unable/unwilling to commit. There is a need for freedom and encounters with others.
Relational: Dhe one partner seems to adapt to the other, but there does not seem to be deep love or the need to want to commit.
Pentacles three
Emotional: Mand is willing to work on his love, there is a need to grow or improve the relationship. Possibly seeks advice from third parties.
Relational: There is a phase when both partners need to work on the relationship or prove themselves to each other, possibly with good results!
Pentacles four
Emotional: Er is a need for security, people want to know where they stand, tend to want to control the situation (or the other person) or are afraid to show emotions for fear of loss.
Relational: The relationship suffers from insecurity, possessiveness and jealousy, wanting to hold on to the other too much actually creates a separation.
Pentacles five
Emotional: Mand feels short-changed and may be unsure of the other's feelings. One wants to support each other in good times and bad, but due to a lack of communication, this is quite difficult.
Relational: Er something is missing within the relationship, possibly there is a crisis and there is not good communication. Sometimes literally financial problems.
Pentacles six
Emotional: Mand is willing to care for the other, emotionally or financially, but demands something in return.
Relational: Mostensibly the balance between giving and taking is a bit off, one partner gives more while the other takes more.
Pentacles seven
Emotional: Mand finds it hard to wait. Certain developments on the love front remain too long for the feeling. Don't try to force anything, it will only backfire at this point.
Relational: Er is steady growth and development within the relationship, but time and patience is needed.
Pentacles eight
Emotional: Possibly they are at the beginning of a new relationship and are willing to invest a lot of time and energy in it.
Relational: There is a new relationship or a new phase within the relationship with good future prospects, provided one is willing to invest time and energy.
Pentacles nine
Emotional: Mand feels good and enjoys love. One gets attention without having to do much for it.
Relational: Dhe relationship develops in a good way, people are happy with each other and there is no need to work hard on the relationship, it is good as it is.
Pentacles ten
Emotional: Mand has a great need for domesticity and affection. Emotionally, one feels rich and enjoys the beauty around him.
Relational: Dhe chances are that one will focus on building a nest, starting a family. Either way, a stable relationship!
Pentacles Tawny
Emotional: Mand open to learn from love, open to new opportunities. As a person: young, eager to learn, possibly a student, careful, a thinker.
Relational: Er may be a great proposal, invitation or new opportunity. It should be accepted with policy and consultation.
Pentacles Knight
Emotional: Mand feels confident within the relationship or regarding other people's feelings. As a person: young man, strong-willed, somewhat slow but sincere and reliable, physically strong.
Relational: Er is security and stability, (the possibility of) a permanent relationship, although things will be a bit slow to start. Not something short-lived.
Pentacles Queen
Emotional: Mand has a need to settle down, start a family, care for others. As a person: a reliable, helpful, intelligent and caring woman.
Relational: Er is a relationship centred on cosiness, homeliness and caring. One is having a good time.
Pentacles King
Emotional: Mand adopts a protective attitude towards his beloved and is willing to make sure the other person does not lack anything. One keeps one's promises, is kind-hearted but nevertheless does not let one make a run for it. As a person: an honest, reliable, consistent, likeable man.
Relational: Er is a stable relationship in which people can build on and trust each other. A relationship that endures.
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